Large Dog Breeds Have Big Hearts - Find Out More About These Gentle Giants!

Serene, patient and good-natured – this best describes most large dogs, if they have been trained consistently and lovingly. Large dog breed such as the St. Bernard, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Newfoundland generally demonstrate a very gentle disposition and do not get worked up easily. They are confident in their size and strength. Therefore they have no need to prove this to others – unless they have to protect themselves or their pack.

Having a large dog at his side gives an owner a sense of security – most people will keep their distance as they have a healthy respect of dog breeds such as the German Shepherd or the Great Dane, and have in some cases even grown to fear them. However, this fear is groundless if these gentle giants have been trained consistently from an early age and if they are both mentally and physically well occupied.

Large dogs need a lot of space – no-one could dispute that. A house with a large garden is often a perfect environment for most of these heavyweights. If you want to keep a large dog in a city apartment, a ground floor apartment or a building with a lift is recommended. Many large dogs tend to have joint problems (hip and elbow dysplasia) and find mounting stairs a problem as they get older.

When it comes to walks, you can generally take a more leisurely approach when it comes to big dogs – endurance dog sports, long hikes or bike rides are not of any interest for most of these giants. They much prefer a gentle stroll.

Before investing in a large dog breed such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Rottweiler, take into account that you won’t be able to take your friend with you wherever you go. A large dog won’t fit under every table and is also not welcome everywhere. Your car too, must be able to accommodate a large dog and must have sufficient space. Therefore a generous boot with a suitable transport box for the dog is important both for the dog’s safety and for your own. If your four-legged friend should become ill, you can’t simply tuck him under your arm and carry him to the vet. You will need several helping hands for this. Also, do not underestimate the costs of food, veterinary fees and equipment for your pet.

Although many large dogs make excellent family dogs, they should never be left alone with small children. When training them you must be consistent right from the start. Large dogs rarely play up but can be difficult to control simply due to their size – and this applies for puppies too. With these imposing four-legged friends a leash becomes nothing more than a symbolic connection between man and beast.

A dog breed is deemed to be large from a withers height of 60 cm. The weight of these dogs varies enormously. Whilst an adult male St. Bernard can weigh up to 90 kg, the German Shepherd generally tips the scales at no more than 40 kg. Large dogs age more quickly and so have a lower life expectancy than small and medium-sized dogs. They are generally expected to live on average for about 8 years.

Click here on the detailed breed portraits of the large dog breeds with illustrations. Find out more about these gentle giants and find a four-legged friend who will really suit you and your lifestyle.